I have a friend who has a tradition for 12th Night. I did not know what 12th Night was and did a little investigating…
Twelfth Night is a festival in some branches of Christianity marking the coming of the Epiphany and concluding the Twelve Days of Christmas. It is the evening of the fifth of January, preceding the eve of the Epiphany, last day of the Christmas festivities. One custom is that it is unlucky to leave Christmas decorations up after 12th Night.
This is a tradition that can be done with kids, or other family members, but my friend has her husband take the kids out for the night, and makes it a reflective, personal evening for her alone. She thinks about the past year and prays over the current New Year.
Celebrate 12th Night by:
- Playing your favorite Christmas music, loud and proud! This is it!
- Finish the egg nog in your fridge, the peppermint hot chocolate, or favorite holiday beverage of choice.
- Bring out the boxes marked for holiday decor. I have four red plastic bins that have green lids. They are easy to spot in the garage. One for ornaments, one for lights, one for Christmas books and stockings, one for the misc. decor.
- Get tissue paper or plastic wrap; whichever you prefer.
- Take the ornaments and lights off the tree and wrap them securely. Place them in their designated box. Be sensitive to the fragile items, and place them on top. Small, delicate ornaments can be placed in an egg carton before going into the bin.
- Place outside or in the clean green can, all fresh materials that are not meant for more than one season.
- Wrap and store the remaining items.
- Store the bins in an area that does not need regular access…the garage, basement, attic, guest closet…
- Enjoy this final evening of the Christmas holiday by treating yourself to a final holiday treat, a bubble bath, a family movie, or quiet time.